Advancements in digital technologies offer new opportunities to address the defining challenges of our times and forge a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all. The 2024 EU elections represent a pivotal moment for the future of European digital and industrial leadership.
In this context, DIGITAL SME launched its new Manifesto 2030 to set priorities for the next EU mandate. DIGITAL SME calls for a European Digital New Deal, an overarching public strategy aiming to transform Europe from a simple user of technologies to a continent of leading developers. The 2024 DIGITAL SME summit will discuss this strategy and new policy priorities as EU term starts, building on innovation coming from tech SMEs, championing a new vision for European digital lead.
Programme:
The event will bring together SMEs from all over Europe and leading voices from the policy, business, academic, and civil society communities to:
- Discuss the role of SMEs as enablers of digital innovation;
- Outline actions in support of European digital leadership and initiatives that will make SMEs thrive in the Digital Single Market;
- Showcase SMEs’ digital solutions and promote matchmaking to foster synergies among businesses, with the ultimate goal of fostering Alliances for the digitalisation of SMEs across industrial sectors.
The summit will feature debates to address how digital tech affect the defining challenges of our times as well as a series of business-oriented sessions for SMEs interested in funding opportunities, supporting their business growth. A half-day parallel matchmaking event will also provide a unique opportunity to connect with potential partners, investors and like-minded entrepreneurs.
Through every panel discussion, the event will feature the second edition of the DIGITAL SME awards. This award will recognize and celebrate SMEs that have made positive impact on Europe’s digitalisation and sustainable digital economy (e.g., in terms of environmental and social responsibility, skills) and that have become role model for promoting inclusion, diversity and equity in the digital sector.